10 Best Ski Resorts in Europe With Jaw-dropping Views and Luxe Après-ski Scenes

Skiing is both a beloved pastime and a lifestyle throughout Europe, which means choosing a destination for a transatlantic ski trip can be a dizzying experience. While ski resorts can be found all over the continent, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Norway are particularly renowned for their ski-friendly climates, terrain, and infrastructure. Villages like St. Moritz and Cortina d’Ampezzo have welcomed snow-seeking travelers for years. In addition to powdery pistes, you’ll find lively après-ski scenes, fine-dining restaurants set in wildly scenic locales, and lodging that’s luxurious yet unpretentious.

But should you head to the Swiss Alps or the Dolomites? Opt for a luxe, glitzy resort or book a stay in a low-key Alpine village? We can help you decide. Read on for the best ski resorts in Europe that have everything you’re looking for and then some.

Courchevel, France

Courchevel is a dream European ski destination. Here, you have access to Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), the largest linked ski area in the world. And when it comes to post-skiing fun, the resort’s six interconnected villages offer a little something for everyone. At this resortyou’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants, a dedicated children’s ski area, a multitude of upscale boutiques, and, most importantly, snow. The resort’s natural high elevation and expansive snowmaking system practically guarantee good powder.

Access to Courchevel is easiest via Chambéry Airport (CMF), about a 1.5-hour drive away, or Geneva Airport (GVA), roughly 2.5 hours.

Zermatt, Switzerland

You’ve probably heard of Zermatt because of its iconic location at the base of the Matterhorn. But the ski area is just as impressive, with about 200 miles of ski terrain and perpetual snow.

In Zermatt, you won’t have to worry about parking. It’s completely car-free, so you’ll need to take a train, taxi, or helicopter into the village. If you’re flying into the Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) Airports, you can take the train directly to the resort, but note that the ride is about eight hours long.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Set among some of the highest peaks in the Dolomites is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italy’s most sophisticated ski town is conveniently linked to Dolomiti Superski12 ski areas that operate under one pass. If the easy ticket system and 75 miles of ski terrain here aren’t enough to entice you, perhaps the resort’s appointment as the host of the 2026 Winter Olympics will.

Access to Cortina d’Ampezzo is easiest by plane via Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), about a two-hour drive away. If you prefer not to rent a car, there’s a bus that goes directly from the airport.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

It doesn’t get much more luxe than St. Moritza Swiss town heralded as “the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism.” There’s a reason die-hard skiers flock to this glamorous resort: its high elevation and impressive number of sunny days result in a light powder that blankets the ski area’s 87 slopes and pistes.

The nearest airport is Engadin (SMV), which is only about five miles from St. Moritz, but you can also fly into the airports in Zurich (ZRH) or Milan (MXP), both about a three-hour drive away. Not interested in renting a car? Hop on the amazingly scenic Glacier Express or Bernina Express trains.

Chamonix, France

Located at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix boasts legendary off-piste skiing in the dramatic scenery of the French Alps and an equally renowned après-ski scene. While the resort does have family-friendly and beginner runs, it’s better known for its expert terrain, which spans several ski areas linked by a bus network.

The easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). The journey from the airport takes about an hour by car or 90 minutes by bus.

St. Anton, Austria

Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, Ski Arlbergis made up of three resorts offering almost 200 miles of on-piste and 120 miles of off-piste ski terrain. But there’s a lot more going on here than amazing skiing—St. Anton has an impressive dining scene and great nightlife, too.

There are multiple options if you’re flying in: St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH) or Innsbruck Airport (INN), both about a 1.5-hour drive away, and Zurich Airport (ZRH), 2.5 hours away, just to name a few.

Courmayeur, Italy

On the other side of Mont Blanc is the Italian ski town of Courmayeur. When Chamonix is experiencing white-out conditions, the sun tends to shine on the Using thanks to Mont Blanc’s protection. Even people who don’t ski flock to this resort town to ride the Skyway Monte Bianco cable carwhich has views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, and enjoy fine dining and a lively après scene.

Access to Courmayeur is easiest by plane via Turin Airport (TRN), about a two-hour drive away. The drive from Geneva Airport (GVA) is typically under two hours.

Hemsedal, Norway

Set among the beautiful Scandinavian Alps, Hemsedal is one of Norway’s largest ski resorts. Skiers are spoiled for choice here, with three mountain peaks and 51 slopes. Thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline rush with an elevation drop of 2,723 feet and seven square miles of off-piste terrain. Norway’s ski resorts are known for being family-friendly, and Hemsedal is no exception, boasting activities like sleigh rides, dogsledding, tobogganing, and indoor climbing.

The best way to reach Hemsedal is via Oslo Airport (OSL), about a 3.5-hour drive away. Daily direct transfer buses run from the airport, but must be booked in advance.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is part of Switzerland’s Four Valleysthe country’s largest interconnected ski area. While you can’t go wrong with any ski resort in this region, the glam winter wonderland of Verbier offers world-class skiing, accommodations, and dining. And then there’s its legendary après-ski and nightlife, which attract visitors from all over the world. The social scene lends itself to easy friend-making, and you might even spot a celebrity or two.

The quickest way to get to Verbier is by flying into Geneva Airport (GVA), about a two-hour drive from the resort. You can also take a train from the airport to Le Châble (about 2.5 hours), where you then have the option of taking a 10-minute scenic gondola ride into the village.

Innsbruck, Austria

If you want all the perks of a ski resort in Europe with the energy of a city, then Innsbruck is the way to go. There are 12 different ski resorts located in and around Innsbruck, and the Ski Plus City Pass links all of them in one nifty ticket—it even includes access to 22 attractions and a swimming pool. Getting around is easy thanks to free ski buses that take visitors to their ski area of choice in the morning. If you’re not staying along the bus route, take advantage of the convenient, free shuttle service with pick-up spots around Innsbruck, which will drop you off at a bus stop.

Innsbruck has its own airport (INN), with connecting flights from European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Brussels.